Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL) is proud to announce its double victory at the Asian Ecotourism Network International Ecotourism Awards (AEN-IEA) 2025, held on 10 October 2025 in New Delhi, India, during the Global Wildlife Fair. The lodge was recognised for its outstanding contributions in two key categories: Community Benefit and Ecotourism Promotion.
Representing Sukau Rainforest Lodge at the awards ceremony was Managing Director, Mr. Timothy Teo, who accepted the honours on behalf of the lodge’s dedicated team and the local Orang Sungai community.
Celebrating Excellence in Ecotourism
The AEN-IEA awards highlight exceptional achievements in sustainable and responsible tourism across Asia. Sukau Rainforest Lodge’s recognition under the Community Benefit category celebrates its long-standing commitment to uplifting the local community through employment, training, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Meanwhile, the award for Ecotourism Promotion acknowledges the lodge’s continuous efforts in raising global awareness about the importance of conservation, sustainable travel, and responsible wildlife encounters in Borneo’s Kinabatangan region.
Empowering Communities and Protecting Nature
Since its founding in 1995 by Founder Mr. Albert Chin Kion Teo, Sukau Rainforest Lodge has embraced a philosophy of “Sustaining nature and empowering communities” — working hand in hand with the local Orang Sungai people to build a tourism model that benefits both the environment and its stewards. From wildlife conservation projects to education and community development programmes, the lodge has become a living example of ecotourism done right.
A Heartfelt Win
“These awards are not just a recognition of our work, but a celebration of everyone who has been part of our journey,” said Timothy Teo, Managing Director of Sukau Rainforest Lodge. “Our heartfelt thanks go to our incredible team, the local community, and our guests who continue to believe in the power of responsible tourism. It is our dream to share Borneo and its amazing biodiversity and wildlife to future generations to come. Ecotourism still remains today the best force for good to bring that dream to life and this honour inspires us onwards in our conviction.”
About the Asian Ecotourism Network International Ecotourism Awards
The Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN) is a regional platform dedicated to promoting and connecting responsible tourism operators across Asia. The International Ecotourism Awards (AEN-IEA) recognise exemplary practices and innovations that contribute to sustainable development, conservation, and community well-being.
About Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Nestled along the banks of the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, Sukau Rainforest Lodge is an award-winning eco-lodge dedicated to conservation, comfort, and community. Recognised globally for its sustainable operations and authentic wildlife experiences, the lodge continues to be a beacon of hope for ecotourism in the region.
Lucky, Day, and Hope are more than just the resident orang utans of Sukau Rainforest Lodge—they are a symbol of the beauty and resilience of Borneo’s wildlife. Since their first sighting in 2014, these magnificent creatures have become an integral part of our lodge, delighting guests with their presence and offering a rare glimpse into the life of orang utans in the wild.
Their story of survival, growth, and family is one that inspires hope and joy for all who visit, reminding us of the importance of protecting these endangered species and their natural habitats. At Sukau Rainforest Lodge, we are privileged to share our space with these remarkable animals, and every sighting of Lucky, Day, and Hope is a reminder of how fortunate we are to witness the wonders of nature.
Do you want a digital flyer about the story of our beloved orang utans to bring home?
In July 2014, a mother orang utan and her tiny infant were spotted for the first time at our Hornbill Boardwalk. It was a rare and exciting moment, as they kept a safe distance, mostly staying hidden from view. Mother orang utan was probably wondering, “What are these hairless creatures?”. During this time, the pair appeared only a few times a year, making each sighting an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to witness it.
By the following year, the mother and baby began to approach the lodge more frequently. As the baby orang utan grew, it started exploring independently while the mother kept a watchful eye. The pair, enjoying the abundance of fruit trees around the lodge and the peaceful environment, began to consider Sukau Rainforest Lodge their home. This was when we truly became connected with these extraordinary creatures.
In celebration of their arrival, we held a naming contest, and Kate Williams chose the names Lucky and Day for the mother and baby. The name “Lucky” represented the fortunate experience of seeing these magnificent orang utans, and “Day” symbolized the joy of witnessing them in our midst. So, guests who encountered them often felt like the “lucky ones” to see such a rare and beautiful sight.
By 2016, Lucky and Day began visiting the area near the Ape Gallery. Day, now a 2-3-year-old juvenile, grew comfortable with the presence of humans. The duo spent time feasting on fruit from nearby trees and even seemed to enjoy the attention from guests taking photos. Lucky even created a nest for herself and Day near the Hornbill Boardwalk, further solidifying their place as our resident orang utans.
In December 2017, the family made a surprise visit to the Melapi Restaurant by the riverbank, delighting our staff and guests alike.
In April 2019, to everyone’s surprise, Lucky gave birth to a new baby—Hope. At the time, Day was a 5-year-old juvenile, and he quickly adapted to his new role as a big brother. This was a special moment, as Day now had the chance to practice all the survival skills his mother had taught him.
Hope, the new arrival, was named during our Orang Utan Baby Naming Contest in 2022. This name was chosen not just for the baby but also for the hope it symbolized during the difficult times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hope represents the strength, resilience, and hope that we all held onto during challenging times.
Today, Lucky, Day, and Hope continue to visit the lodge from time to time, especially near the Hornbill Boardwalk, Attenborough Boardwalk, Borneo Villas, and Kari Boardwalk. Their presence brings joy to both guests and staff, and every sighting of this incredible family is a reminder of how fortunate we are to share our home with them.
• Orang utans are one of the most intelligent primates, known for their problem-solving skills.
• They share approximately 97% of their DNA with humans.
• Orang utans are native to Indonesia and Malaysia and are classified as critically endangered.
• They primarily live in trees and spend most of their time in the rainforest canopy.
• Orang utans have a diet that consists mostly of fruit, but they also eat leaves, flowers, and insects.
• Female orang utans typically give birth every 6 to 8 years, raising their young for several years.
Check out our list of wildlife you have a chance of sighting at the lodge and along the Kinabatangan River.
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